The noble gamander was already used in ancient Greece as a medicinal herb against various diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as in the Middle Ages as a remedy for gout. Today, long-term use of edible chamomander is discouraged because overdose can lead to liver damage. However, as a carefully used natural remedy, the plant can gently counteract countless ailments.
Occurrence and cultivation of the noble chamander
The noble gamander was already used in ancient Greece as a medicinal herb against various diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The noble gamander describes a semi-shrub native to Europe, which is counted among the labiates. Together with other closely related species, it forms the genus Teucrium within this plant family. Also known as sheep’s weed, the plant reaches growth heights of about thirty centimeters and develops long runners that creep along the ground. The noble chamander forms stems that quickly become woody in the lower part, as well as egg-shaped leaves that are only a few centimeters in size and slightly toothed on the edges. All parts of the plant emit an odor that is usually considered pleasant. The most striking distinguishing feature of the edible gamander is its pink to purple delicate flowers, which appear between June and September. From these, cloistered fruits develop in midsummer, containing the seeds. Noble Gamander grows best in direct sun and warm conditions. It requires lime-rich, nitrogen-poor, and lean soil conditions. It is often found in dry, boulder-strewn places in sparse forests and rough pastures. In Central Europe, the Noble Gamander is available in many nurseries and can be easily cultivated in rock and perennial gardens. It thrives best when associated with other drought-loving herbs such as sage, rosemary or oregano.
Effect and use
In past times, the noble gamander was considered a popular and versatile medicinal herb, which was particularly successful against gout. As its liver-damaging properties gradually became known, noble chamomander fell into oblivion and is rarely used in phytotherapy today. Nevertheless, this medicinal herb contains various tannins and bitter substances as well as essential oils, which make it a valuable natural remedy. A liver-damaging effect of the Edel-Gamander is to be feared only in case of overdose and long-term intake. This medicinal herb can definitely be used internally and externally to relieve a variety of diseases and ailments. The noble gamander has astringent, anti-inflammatory, tonic and diuretic properties and accelerates wound healing. The leaves and herbaceous parts of the plant, harvested in midsummer on a sunny and warm day, should be hung in a well-ventilated room and left to dry for some time. If about two teaspoons of dried leaves are poured over boiling water, this will produce a healing, aromatic and slightly bitter herbal tea after brewing for about ten minutes. This should be drunk in sips throughout the day, with a maximum of three cups per day. The dried parts of the plant can also be steeped in wine for several weeks, and this can then be consumed as a digestive and tasty-spicy drink, although here too care should be taken to maintain a low dose of no more than three tablespoons daily. Fresh tea infusions, as well as tinctures made from the leaves steeped in Doppelkorn, are suitable for external use such as a bath additive, for ablutions and as a locally applied remedy. In order to prevent strain on the liver, internal use of the precious chamomile should only be taken as a course of treatment and should be discontinued after six weeks at the latest. After a break, also of six weeks, which prevents harmful long-term effects, the treatment can be continued if necessary. Due to the curative therapy, there can be no habituation effects, and the effect of the Edel-Gamander is not impaired.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
Already in ancient Greece, the noble gamander found written mention as one of the most effective medicinal herbs against diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as irritable cough and bronchitis. Asthmatic conditions can also be effectively treated with various preparations made from the plant parts.In addition, the noble gamander can be used successfully against gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence, irritable stomach, intestinal pain, weakness of the stomach and gall bladder, loss of appetite, digestive problems and chronic diarrhea. Due to its antipyretic and antiseptic properties, noble chamander is also suitable for the treatment of flu-like infections. In addition to gout, rheumatic complaints can be effectively treated with this medicinal herb. People suffering from severe or chronic headaches also benefit from the soothing effects of this forgotten medicinal plant. The noble chamander is indeed suitable for the treatment of gout. However, for long-term therapy, other medicinal herbs are suitable, which fight the symptoms just as effectively, but do not endanger the health of the liver. Externally, noble gamander often works wonders for inflammatory skin conditions and poorly healing or inflamed minor injuries. While for gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, bronchitis, asthma and cramps or irritable coughs, it is recommended to take this medicinal herb internally in the form of tea or spiced wine, in the case of rheumatism, it should be used primarily in the form of baths and washes. A tincture prepared from this versatile medicinal herb can be applied directly to inflamed or diseased skin areas as well as wounds and accelerates the healing process. Due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, a temporary detoxification cure can also be effectively supported by taking a tea internally. People who suffer from liver weakness or have to take heavy medication should refrain from treatment with Edel-Gamander. In case of doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor and discuss the intended therapy with him before starting a cure with this medicinal plant.
